33 Spectacular Landscaping Ideas
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Home landscaping can involve more than just making
your front yard look pretty. Yet, bringing your design ideas to life doesn't have
to be difficult. Simply approach the task of revamping your outdoor space with
three things in mind – size, budget and time.

Make Every Space Beautiful

If you're doing the job yourself, divide your outdoor
space into zones and tackle one project in each area at a time. Perhaps you
want to start with your front yard, then move on your backyard, then garden,
pool area, patio and so on. Choose materials and plants you can afford that are
appropriately hardy for your climate (see our Plant Hardiness Zone Info),
and then augment your design with hardscapes such as pergolas, pavers or
retaining walls as time and money permit.

Spruce up your front yard by edging a driveway or
ringing a tree with ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus or Fountain Grass.
Placing topiaries symmetrically on the sides of front steps or porches can make
any entrance appear more formal. And don't forget to consider your mailbox,
garage doors, front door and windows as mini-zones – an upgrade or change
in color to one or more of these areas can dramatically change the look and
curb appeal of the front of your home.

Backyards are often left natural, but many are
neglected spaces bursting with potential to be beautiful, usable assets to your
outdoor space. Sometimes all it takes is a little mulch, a few flowering shrubs
and a tree trim. Adding a pathway of flat stone, gravel or bricks gives your
yard structure and charm. A well-maintained vegetable or rose garden can be a
great focal point for your backyard as well. One tip that applies to both front
and backyards: don't forget to pull, treat and kill those pesky weeds!

If you're looking for plants to add flair to your
poolside or deck/patio area, there are plenty of options. Consider rows of
potted pencil hollies to create the illusion of a hedge divider for privacy. To
spruce up an arbor or gazebo, start an attractive wrapping or running vine such
as confederate jasmine or evergreen wisteria.

There are endless ideas for landscaping your
outdoor spaces, many of which can be accomplished easily and inexpensively. Just
start with one area of your property at a time and get creative.